Improvement funding for Oshawa airport

By Patrick Gilligan

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Oshawa municipal airport, Federal Minister Gary Goodyear, Oshawa MP Colin Carrie, Mayor John Gray and city councillors announced: The City of Oshawa will benefit from more than $3.5 million in funding under the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan with the intent of creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

Through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), the Government of Canada will invest $3.522 million in four local projects in the city of Oshawa. Projects include improvements to its municipal airport estimated to cost $2.14 million. The Federal CAF contribution to this project is announced at $1.072 million and the balance will be funded by the City of Oshawa.

Airport improvements involve:

refurbishment of runway 04/22

installation of an automated weather system

taxiway lights and signage

ramp repairs

emergency generator control panel

construction of a new west lot service road; and

rehabilitation of the east lot service road

Anticipated economic benefits:

attract additional aviation business

market the airport to scheduled air service carriers

new jobs

increased transient traffic; and

private sector investment to the city

The project also anticipates an additional 50 GA aircraft and 25 corporate aircraft operating from its airport.

"The City of Oshawa values and appreciates the commitment and support of the federal government as it continues on its path of diversification and revitalization," said John Gray, mayor of the City of Oshawa. "These projects will further stimulate our economy and improve our critical and much needed infrastructure."

COPA was pleased to attend this public announcement that took place on the tarmac of Oshawa’s municipal airport. “This is good news for aviation as the federal government recognizes the importance of this airport” said COPA President Kevin Psutka. “Hopefully, there will be more to follow for other airports who have identified shovel-ready projects for this infusion of money into the economy.”